Compare the2023 BMW X5VS 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The X5’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Blazer doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW X5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Blazer doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The X5 has standard Active Head Restraints, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Head Restraints system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Blazer doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The X5 has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Blazer doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The X5 offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Blazer doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X5’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Blazer doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X5 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. A system to reveal vehicles in the Blazer’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the X5 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the Blazer.

The X5’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Blazer doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the X5 and the Blazer have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The BMW X5 weighs 505 to 1342 pounds more than the Chevrolet Blazer. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Chevrolet Blazer:

	X5	Blazer
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.8 inches	.8 inches
Neck Injury Risk	35%	43%
Neck Compression	91 lbs.	140 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the BMW X5 is safer than the Chevrolet Blazer:

	X5	Blazer
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	93
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.8 inches
Abdominal Force	130 lbs.	157 lbs.
Hip Force	279 lbs.	369 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	48	251
Spine Acceleration	30 G’s	45 G’s
Hip Force	584 lbs.	673 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the X5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 151 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Blazer last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The X5 comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Blazer’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The X5’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the Blazer’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X5 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Chevrolet only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the Blazer.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Chevrolet vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 5 places higher in reliability than Chevrolet.

Engine

The X5 40i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 107 more horsepower (335 vs. 228) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the Blazer’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The X5 40i’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 27 more horsepower (335 vs. 308) and 61 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 270) than the Blazer’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6. The X5 M50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 215 more horsepower (523 vs. 308) and 283 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 270) than the Blazer’s optional 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the X5 40i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Chevrolet Blazer V6:

	X5	Blazer
Zero to 30 MPH	1.7 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	4.8 sec	6.3 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	12.5 sec	17 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5.8 sec	6.4 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.9 sec	3.1 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.7 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	13.5 sec	15 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	103 MPH	94 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the X5 gets better mileage than the Blazer:

			MPG
X5
	RWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/25 hwy
Blazer
	FWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/27 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the X5’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Blazer doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The X5 has 2.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Blazer FWD’s standard fuel tank (21.9 vs. 19.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The X5’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Blazer doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the X5’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Blazer:

	X5 xDrive40i	X5 M Sport	Blazer
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	12.64 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	14.6 inches	12.4 inches

The X5’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Blazer are solid, not vented.

The X5 stops shorter than the Blazer:

	X5	Blazer
60 to 0 MPH	129 feet	130 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the X5 has larger standard tires than the Blazer (265/50R19 vs. 235/65R18). The X5’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Blazer (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/45R21).

The X5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Blazer’s standard 65 series tires. The X5’s optional 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Blazer RS/Premier’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X5 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Blazer. The X5’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the Blazer RS/Premier.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X5 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Blazer doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The X5 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Blazer doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The X5 M50i offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Chevrolet doesn’t offer an active suspension on the Blazer.

The X5 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Blazer’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X5’s wheelbase is 4.4 inches longer than on the Blazer (117.1 inches vs. 112.7 inches).

The X5’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the Blazer’s (60.1% to 39.9%). This gives the X5 more stable handling and braking.

The X5 xDrive40i handles at .89 G’s, while the Blazer RS 4x4 pulls only .87 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The X5 xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.5 seconds quicker than the Blazer RS 4x4 (25.8 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .67 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X5 has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Blazer LT (8.7 vs. 7.5 inches), allowing the X5 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The X5’s minimum ground clearance is 1.1 inches higher than on the Blazer RS/Premier (8.7 vs. 7.6 inches).

Chassis

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the X5 xDrive40i is quieter than the Blazer RS 4x4:

	X5	Blazer
Full-Throttle	71 dB	74 dB
70 MPH Cruising	64 dB	66 dB

Passenger Space

The X5 offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Blazer can only carry 5.

The X5 has .9 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front shoulder room and .1 inches more rear headroom than the Blazer.

Cargo Capacity

The X5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Blazer with its rear seat up (33.9 vs. 30.5 cubic feet). The X5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Blazer with its rear seat folded (72.3 vs. 64.2 cubic feet).

The X5’s rear cargo window opens separately from the rest of the tailgate door to allow quicker loading of small packages. The Blazer’s rear cargo window doesn’t open.

Towing

The X5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Blazer’s (5952 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Chevrolet Blazer is only 4500 pounds. The X5 offers up to a 7209 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the X5 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Blazer. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Chevrolet. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 14% lower rating, Chevrolet is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the Blazer RS/Premier, the X5 M50i has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The X5’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the Blazer, and is not available on all models.

The X5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Blazer doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The X5’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Blazer’s passenger windows don’t close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the X5 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Blazer can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The X5 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Blazer doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The X5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Blazer’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X5 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The Blazer doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The X5’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Blazer’s headlights are rated “Marginal” to “Poor.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X5 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Blazer doesn’t offer cornering lights. The X5 also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X5 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Blazer doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X5 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Blazer.

The X5’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Blazer doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the X5 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X5 with a number “1” insurance rate while the Blazer is rated higher at a number “8” rate.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW X5 and the Chevrolet Blazer, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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